NullNighthawk
Well-known member
A 360 Turn: Fashion's Shrinking Plus-Size Model Pool Sparks Concern Over Industry's Decline in Size Inclusivity.
The fashion industry's shift away from promoting plus-size models has raised eyebrows among insiders and body positivity advocates. A recent report by Vogue Business found that only 0.9% of models featured in women's wear shows earlier this month were plus-size, a significant decline from previous years. This trend is mirrored in the advertising sector, where the use of unhealthily thin-looking models has sparked public outcry.
Experts point to the widespread adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as a contributing factor to the industry's shift towards promoting thinner models. These medications have become increasingly popular among celebrities and are now being used to treat more than just diabetes, leading to a normalization of thinness in the fashion world.
The decline of plus-size models has led some designers to reconsider their approach to size inclusivity. Anna Shillinglaw, founder of model agency Milk Management, notes that "the body positivity movement was growing with curve models doing the same shows and shoots as straight-sized models." However, this trend has reversed in recent years, with many brands removing plus-size sections from their stores and limiting show appearances for plus-size models.
Felicity Hayward, a plus-size model and writer, describes the current era as "tokenistic" when it comes to featuring plus-size models. She argues that while some designers have made an effort to include more diverse models in their shows, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of truly promoting size inclusivity.
The high street is also feeling the effects of this shift. Brands such as M&S and Next have faced public backlash over their use of unhealthily thin-looking models in adverts. The Advertising Standards Authority has urged advertisers to avoid using "irresponsible" images, highlighting the growing demand for more realistic representation on screens.
With the plus-size market estimated to be worth over £4 billion in the UK, it's a worrying trend that brands are becoming increasingly inaccessible to consumers. Shillinglaw notes that brands which once featured plus-size models five days a week now limit those appearances to just two days per show. Rick Owens' decision to use no plus-size models in his Paris fashion show last season has also sparked debate among industry insiders.
The fashion industry's decline in size inclusivity is a trend that's sparking concern among advocates for body positivity and diversity. As the pendulum swings back towards skinny, it's clear that more needs to be done to promote positive representation on screens and in stores.
The fashion industry's shift away from promoting plus-size models has raised eyebrows among insiders and body positivity advocates. A recent report by Vogue Business found that only 0.9% of models featured in women's wear shows earlier this month were plus-size, a significant decline from previous years. This trend is mirrored in the advertising sector, where the use of unhealthily thin-looking models has sparked public outcry.
Experts point to the widespread adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as a contributing factor to the industry's shift towards promoting thinner models. These medications have become increasingly popular among celebrities and are now being used to treat more than just diabetes, leading to a normalization of thinness in the fashion world.
The decline of plus-size models has led some designers to reconsider their approach to size inclusivity. Anna Shillinglaw, founder of model agency Milk Management, notes that "the body positivity movement was growing with curve models doing the same shows and shoots as straight-sized models." However, this trend has reversed in recent years, with many brands removing plus-size sections from their stores and limiting show appearances for plus-size models.
Felicity Hayward, a plus-size model and writer, describes the current era as "tokenistic" when it comes to featuring plus-size models. She argues that while some designers have made an effort to include more diverse models in their shows, the industry still has a long way to go in terms of truly promoting size inclusivity.
The high street is also feeling the effects of this shift. Brands such as M&S and Next have faced public backlash over their use of unhealthily thin-looking models in adverts. The Advertising Standards Authority has urged advertisers to avoid using "irresponsible" images, highlighting the growing demand for more realistic representation on screens.
With the plus-size market estimated to be worth over £4 billion in the UK, it's a worrying trend that brands are becoming increasingly inaccessible to consumers. Shillinglaw notes that brands which once featured plus-size models five days a week now limit those appearances to just two days per show. Rick Owens' decision to use no plus-size models in his Paris fashion show last season has also sparked debate among industry insiders.
The fashion industry's decline in size inclusivity is a trend that's sparking concern among advocates for body positivity and diversity. As the pendulum swings back towards skinny, it's clear that more needs to be done to promote positive representation on screens and in stores.